How long do cycle helmets last?

[cragster]

Might be a daft question, and I know that a lot of you don't wear one. However, I'm sure that I read somewhere you are supposed to replace your helmet every couple of years. As I have had mine, and its only a cheapo one, for about 5 years I was wondering if I need to invest in a new un!

 

[yello]

I believe (having read it here at some stage, so it must be true!) that they last pretty much forever... unless you drop or crack them of course... or your head shape changes I guess

Manufacturers will advise you replace them every 2 or 3 years but cycle helmets are not made of the same stuff that motorcycle helmets (which should be replaced periodically) so, as far as I am aware, there is no reason to do so.

 

[rusky]

I would think they have a finite life taking into account UV damage.

 

[yello]

Decided to google it... still not sure!

But, there's not just the construction of the helmet shell to think about. There's straps and buckles too, they'll age and wear. Some folk complain that their helmets are too smelly after a period of time (fnar). Plus newer and improved (?) designs to consider perhaps.

'Dunno' is my answer... mine is probably 5 or 6 years old now and looks like new and has never hit the deck, so I have no intentions to replace it. I did replace the padding though.

 

[numbnuts]

my helmet is 4 years old and I'm going to replace to very soon it's the UV that causes the damage.....so I'm told

 

[Angelfishsolo]

My understanding is that lifespan varies greatly dependant upon wear and tear. You "should" check the helmet before each ride looking for any visible cracks and other damage. Also compress the helmet from both front to back and sides and see if there are any signs of damage or excessive give. If any of the above are true the helmet is unfit for purpose.

 

[psmiffy]

It is a bit strange that they are not marked in some way with a use by date - manufacturers obviously missed a trick there - consstruction helmets come with a little dial thingy that shows when they should be replaced - and I have seen cases of helmets splitting due to UV damage - admittedly in the middle east where the sun is a little stronger

I wear my cycling one often enough - average about an hour a day - that after about three years they are pretty much totaled and insanitary and have to be replaced -

 

[Norm]

It's not a fixed thing, as peeps who sweat a lot, who don't wash their hair frequently or who wear beards should be more vigilant as the body-fluids and hair-rubbing can cause damage over time.

IMO, manufacturers tend to the shorter end of the spectrum for replacement cycles because they can't say "sweaty hairy blokes need to replace more often than fragrant ladies". Although they also have a vested interest in boosting the size of the market.

 

[cragster]

Ta for the replies. All things considered I think I'm best off replacing it, especially after the Mrs has just told me that it 'stinks'. Not something you notice when you're out on the bike!

 

[Garz]

I've had mine nearly two years now and have started eyeing up deals to eventually replace it. Also depends on how much riding it sees, some of the conditions are bound to weather it eventually.

 

[ChristinaJL]

The CTC instructor on my mountain bike said to replace them every 3 years, sooner if you have a big spill obviously.

 

[rusky]

Q. How often should a helmet be replaced?

A. Giro has a general recommendation of replacing your helmet every three (3) years.

Q: How long should a bicycle helmet last?

A: Our (Specialized) helmets are made of Styrofoam. Styrofoam is an extremely strong and durable material that will break down over time. Even if a helmet is not used it will decompose beyond a safe state after 5 years. How long ahelmet will last is extremely subjective. Sun is obviously bad for a helmet and can wear it out extremely quickly if it receives prolonged exposure. Avoid storing your helmet in the sun or where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures.

 

[Bicycle]

I have a helmet I bought 14 years ago.

It now looks very retro (uncool).

It says 'Met Maxtrack' on the inside and is black and white.

It has attracted humorous comment at XC events.

It makes my head look like a mushroom, but I have yet to land on it.

I'm still not dead.

 

[MarkF]

my helmet is 4 years old and I'm going to replace to very soon it's the UV that causes the damage.....so I'm told

If UV rays damage helmets then what must they be doing to my helmetless head?

 

[Norm]

If UV rays damage helmets then what must they be doing to my helmetless head?

Not good things, which is why:

1. We should be grateful that we have spent millennia evolving to have some natural protection
2. We should use sun screen where required
3. We should be aware of skin cancers

Sadly, when that goes wrong, it's not as easy as spending a couple of quid at your nearest LBS.